Hydroxychloroquine: Dangerous risks in the treatment of COVID-19 Naturopathy naturopathy specialist portal
Hydroxychloroquine: risks relating to the application for the treatment of COVID-19
The Malaria drug hydroxychloroquine for many professionals to be the most promising drug candidates in the search for a COVID-19-therapy. However, the drug poses a risk for life threatening side effects. In addition, positive effects on the Corona are not Diseased yet been proven.
The Federal Institute for drugs and medical devices (BfArM) has in a recent communication, the European medicines Agency (EMA) again warns against the risks associated with the use of hydroxychloroquine (and chloroquine) for the treatment of COVID-19.
The Malaria drug in COVID-19 helps?
US President, Donald Trump has referred to hydroxychloroquine as a “gift from God”. He is a Malaria drug as a COVID-19-prophylaxis.
The effectiveness is not proven yet. Rather, a scientific study has shown that this drug, as well as chloroquine, brings more harm than good.
This study, which was published in the journal “The Lancet”, the world health organization (WHO) on the occasion, the Tests with the Malaria drug hydroxychloroquine to combat COVID-19 to suspend.
Dozens of Researchers have expressed, however, according to a report in the journal “The BMJ” published a report concerned about the study, have triggered concern about the methodology as well as the collection of the data.
The discussion about the (potential) efficacy of the drug in COVID-19 will continue.
A drug with severe side effects
As the BfArM writes, has been used for the treatment of Malaria and certain autoimmune diseases approved hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19 Patients, positive effects in this patient population, however, are not proven.
Various observational studies in COVID-19 have reported that hydroxychloroquine (and chloroquine) are associated with an increased risk for cardiac problems. According to the figures, it is known side effects of hydroxychloroquine, which include heart rhythm disorders and cardiac arrest.
Therefore, it should be tested before a regulation, whether other risk factors for cardiac rhythm disorders, disorders such as pre-existing heart, electrolyte disturbances (potassium, Magnesium), or concomitant treatment with medicinal products that can prolong the QT-interval, there are.
According to the BfArM heart rhythm disturbances are likely and serious when hydroxychloroquine is used at higher than the for the approved indications, recommended doses, or when combined with certain antibiotics such as Azithromycin.
In addition to the cardiac side effects of hydroxychloroquine may also cause neuro-psychiatric disorders such as excitation, insomnia, confusion, psychosis and thoughts of suicide.
In addition, the agent may cause disturbances of liver function as well as neuronal damage, which can lead to epileptic seizures (convulsions), and it can lower the blood sugar.
Studies suspended or stopped
Given the emerging data that some EU countries clinical trials investigating hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19-patients and in -patients exposed or stopped.
For some studies, including the large multi-national study “Solidarity” of the WHO, was exposed to the inclusion of patients in experimental arms with hydroxychloroquine.
A preliminary Review of the Recovery study, a large ongoing study of COVID-19-Patients revealed no reasons for the suspension or termination of the study.
As long as further analysis of the available data should be performed hydroxychloroquine at COVID be-19 according to the BfArM only in the context of clinical studies or in case of hardship programs in hospitalized patients under close Monitoring.
Patients and patients which have been prescribed hydroxychloroquine for approved indications (Malaria and certain autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus), should take the medicine continues to be in accordance with the instructions of the doctor. (ad)
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